Investors Looking For Veteran-owned Start-ups

Veterans Business Battle applications now open for aspiring entrepreneurs; Finalists invited to pitch ideas for chance at seed money

HOUSTON, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The biggest competition for military veterans vying to become business owners is looking for new entrepreneurs.

EO-Houston Veterans Business Battle, which in two years has extended more than $1.7 million in investment offers to start-up companies owned by veterans, is accepting applications for its 2017 competition.

The business plan competition, hosted by Entrepreneurs' Organization-Houston and Rice University Veterans in Business Association, gives military veterans an opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors for a chance at seed money, investments, and prize money.

"Several of the veterans who competed in our first event two years ago are now successful business owners with products on the market and employees on their payroll," said Veterans Business Battle Chairman Mark Martin. "We are eager to continue our mission of helping veterans become entrepreneurs and see what new ideas come forth this year."

To apply, applicants must submit a business plan on the competition website, www.vetbizbattle.com, by Jan. 8. Businesses must be majority owned by an honorably discharged military veteran living in the United States.

Finalists will be invited to make their business pitch Feb. 24-25 at Rice University. All types of businesses are encouraged. Previous winners have included retail products, a commercial drone business, technology firms and more.

Veterans Business Battle was established in 2015 by The Houston chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization and Rice University's Veterans in Business Association. The competition aims to foster entrepreneurship among veterans, grow veteran-owned businesses and give back to veterans seeking to make a difference in the business world. For more information, visit www.vetbizbattle.com